Radio Detective Story Hour Episode 153 – Drive-in

Judy Garland

This week, one of most thrilling episodes, for me, from the series Suspense. The best radio drama is when the acting is top-notch, the sound effects are well-tuned to enhance the dialogue and the music is designed to increase tension and a sense of thrill. This happens when a good producer and director can pull it all together to positively produce goosebumps as you listen and imagine the terror the character or characters feel. Suspense often could do that. It had both the budget and the talent to create drama that was emotionally involving for the listener. Judy Garland stars in this week’s podcast drama, “Drive-in,” at the upswing in her young career. Though she was primarily a singer, she does a very good job. But it is the addition of one of the best radio actors, Elliott Lewis, to bring it all home.

Music under is the theme from Body Heat performed by Jazz At the Movies.

Couldn’t agree more, Tom! This one was really effective for my tastes and as you mention both Garland and Lewis (and for me, especially Lewis) are outstanding. You might also want to listen to Podcast #149 which features Lewis in a similar character role. He was certainly very good at this type of role especially in light of his spending a few years as Remley on the Phill Harris-Alice Faye Comedy show.